Next step in aviation as a 900hr pilot????
Posted by Emergency_Ad147@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 17 comments
I’m currently flying for an aerial survey company, having accumulated approximately 960 flight hours, including 400 hours in a multi-engine aircraft. I’m contemplating my next steps in the aviation industry.
One option is to stay in my current position and gradually increase my flight hours to reach 1500. Alternatively, I could start applying for the Part 135 Single Pilot Instrument Rating (SIC). I’m uncertain if I can find any corporate gigs, as I’ve heard that networking is crucial in that field. My primary goal is to gain more experience in instrument flying. I just wanna grow and learn more. I believe I’ve plateaued in survey flying.
I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you may have on what you would do in my current situation.
PhillyPilot@reddit
Stay and get more multi time
MeatServo1@reddit
You’re 300 hours from 135 PIC minimums. Don’t leave now to be an SIC. The FOs at my job make half as much and don’t have a reliable upgrade path.
Tasty_Impression_959@reddit
Once you reach 1500 hours, that is a starting minimum threshold to compete with other pilots applying for the same position. Networking is good, because your professional experience and efforts path will be noticed by those you network with. I realized over the years, that in many careers the ones who know you and how you perform are the ones who may give a thumbs up when a potential hiring manager asks them if they know you and their opinion of your pilot performance. Looks like you are on the right track and continue building not only hours of flight experience, but good sound experience.
flyhighdivelow@reddit
My advice would be to fly at least to 1200 hours in your current job, as that is the minimum for PIC IFR 135 ops.
Try and get some turbine time where you can as well. I believe some of those jobs require 25, 50 or 100 turbine
weech@reddit
What did you turn down
StructureOver9800@reddit
Get the written done
Avoid 135 SIC if you want the airlines
Start networking and do all the cadet programs you can
Keep flying wherever you get hours
BoboTheLhasaDog@reddit
Try Planesense or Tradewind? With a little more time you could do Cape Air.
Which AS company? What were their mins? Any chance you could DM me so I can help my buddy break into AS flying? TIA
redditburner_5000@reddit
You're employed flying planes right now. You're in a good place.
Do you have a few moments to hear the good word of our Lord and Savior from the Book of Metroliner? It's only 250hrs away.
Layin' it on thick. Save it for the interview.
AK_Dude69@reddit
Stay and build that time while hiring is slow. You’ve be in a good position when it flips. Does your company have a turbine twin?
Emergency_Ad147@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately no turbine. just light twin.
Full_Wind_1966@reddit
Well you dont have any offers unless you try.
Keep your survey job but apply to the 135 ops. If you get an interview/offer, then you will have a decision to make. Until that happens, you cant really do anything other than apply
Kandranos@reddit
Apply everywhere you can and take the next step up to upgrade your resume. Sounds like you have multi engine already done. Next step would be turbine multi engine so id apply anywhere that lets you log that time and anywhere you'd be comfortable staying at long term if the music stops. Build as competitive as a resume as possible in this hiring environment
PropToThePeople_FMY@reddit
We always say if your long term goal includes the airlines then you need to do that first because seniority is crucial for that career. Sharpen those IFR skills and truly enjoy the next couple hundred hours before you're on a production line, eating on the run and living out of a suitecase. :).
Cheers!
Chris S
Flimsy-Ad-858@reddit
You will be offered 0% of the jobs you don't apply for. There's no decision to make until you have another offer, so what's wrong with applying?
Fly3rBoi@reddit
Get to 1200-1300 and start with airline apps. Spitfire is a great tool to assist in preparing for the interviews.
You’ve got a job, making money versus barely squeaking by, you’re super fortunate. Add in the multi time and you’re in a very nice spot!
Grats! You’re better off than 85% of the field right now.
lordtema@reddit
Based off like 90% of the recent posts here, i would stay put lol. You are earning valuable multi time and have a paying job that is not CFI.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m currently flying for an aerial survey company, having accumulated approximately 960 flight hours, including 400 hours in a multi-engine aircraft. I’m contemplating my next steps in the aviation industry.
One option is to stay in my current position and gradually increase my flight hours to reach 1500. Alternatively, I could start applying for the Part 135 Single Pilot Instrument Rating (SIC). I’m uncertain if I can find any corporate gigs, as I’ve heard that networking is crucial in that field. My primary goal is to gain more experience in instrument flying. I just wanna grow and learn more. I believe I’ve plateaued in survey flying.
I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice you may have on what you would do in my current situation.
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